The state Department of Health approved four more clinical registrants to be a part of the state’s first-in-the-nation research program for medical marijuana.
Three previously selected companies are based in Philadelphia, bringing the total now up to seven registrants. Clinical registrants hold both medical marijuana grower/processor and dispensary permits, and they are contracted with an approved academic clinical research center.
“This program is quite innovative and unique,” said Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine. “There's a lot to learn in terms of the different strains of medical marijuana; the different ratios of the biologically active compounds, such as THC and CBD; the method of delivery; and then, how they would work in different populations and for different conditions.
“Because it's a Schedule 1 substance under the DEA nationally, there has not been as much research as we would like.”
There are currently 77 operational dispensaries in the commonwealth, according to the department. Nearly 10 million products have been sold since the start of the program, and total sales within the program are close to $720 million.
The new registrants include Laurel Harvest Labs LLC, which is contracted with Temple University; Organic Remedies, Inc., which is contracted with the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine; and Curaleaf PA, LLC, which is contracted with the University of Pennsylvania.
The fourth registrant is CannTech PA, LLC, which is contracted with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, Pennsylvania.